Multi-Partner Conservation Programs
Multi-partner conservation programs include a range of conservation-related activities, including land acquisition, management, stewardship and outreach. Some of these include:
Pacific Bird Habitat Joint Venture
The Province is a participant in the Pacific Bird Habitat Joint Venture (Pacific Birds), an international partnership of government agencies and non-government organizations that brings numerous interests together to find common ground for conservation and creates networks to advance long-term planning and on-the-ground project delivery. The partnership spans from northern California to Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands, with a vision to ensure that wild birds thrive in abundant and diverse habitats that we all help safeguard for future generations.
Under the Pacific Birds partnership, the Province has also been a participant in the Pacific Estuary Conservation Program (PECP) since shortly after the program's inception in 1987. Formed by a group of government agencies and non-government organizations, the aim was to better coordinate efforts to protect environmentally valuable estuaries along the British Columbia coast. The present partners of the PECP include the Ministry along with Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service), Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, The Land Conservancy of BC and The Nature Trust of British Columbia. PECP partners have successfully secured thousands of hectares of shoreline and intertidal habitats in many of BC's major estuaries.
South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program
The Ministry and its conservation partners are active participants in the South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program (SOSCP). The South Okanagan-Similkameen area is home to some of the greatest concentrations of species diversity and species at risk in Canada and is recognized as one of the country's three most endangered natural systems. The dry climates and desert-like habitats of the Okanagan and Similkameen river valleys form the northern tip of the Great Basin desert. Since the SOSCP was initiated in 2000, over 47 groups have joined together to maintain this unique natural system and the great variety of plant and animal species that exists within it. Strong community support and involvement help create a positive balance between wildlife requirements and human needs and aspirations. The program has focused on a number of key areas including: applying scientific knowledge; involving the community in conservation; voluntary caring for the land; applying First Nations' knowledge and ecological heritage; assisting in land use decisions; and securing critical habitats. For more information, refer to the SOSCP web site: http://www.soscp.org/
Kootenay Conservation Program
The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is a broad partnership of over 70 organizations from across the Kootenays. The KCP supports partners in conserving landscapes that sustain naturally functioning ecosystems. They envision vibrant communities that demonstrate the principles of environmental stewardship that can in turn support economic and social well-being.
Over the past 11 years, KCP’s partners have worked to conserve over 250,000 hectares of land and have invested $150 million into conservation projects across the Kootenays. World-class conservation efforts include Darkwoods, The Flathead Agreement, Tembec Lands, Pine Butte Ranch, Wycliffe Wildlife Corridor, Lot 48, Hoodoo-Hofert, The Frog Bear Project and The Big Ranch. For more information, refer to the KCP website: http://kootenayconservation.ca/about-kcp/
Crown Land Securement Partner Program
The partners of the Crown Land Securement Partner Program (CLSPP) share a strong interest in conserving land for its fish and wildlife habitat values. This includes both acquiring private land and securing complementary Crown land. After a successful pilot program initiated in 2006, the CLSPP was formally established in 2009. The five-year program is intended to assist the ministry in making progress towards the designation of new or expanded wildlife management areas (WMAs) under the Wildlife Act.
To date, funding and in-kind support for a full-time coordinator of the CLSPP has been provided by Ducks Unlimited Canada, The Pacific Estuary Conservation Program, The Nature Trust of BC, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the BC Trust for Public Lands, Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) and the Ministry. The Ministry’s contribution has been primarily through provision of general guidance and staff participation in securing Crown land.